MULTUM in PARVO: Or, Some useful SAY, IN VERSE and PROSE, COLLECTED By a Lover of Virtue and Goodness in Whomsoever. The Heart of him that is upright, In Heavenly knowledge takes delight. I will delight myself in THY Statutes. If thou wouldst true Wisdom win, Then thou must retire within. That which may be known of GOD is manifest in them, Rom. 3.19. LONDON, Printed for Samuel Manship at the Black Bull in Cornhill, 1687. MULTUM in PARVO: Or, some Useful SAY, IN VERSE and PROSE, etc. TO work aright, O LORD, instruct thou me, That in THY Sight I may approved be: Then shall my Soul have Rest and Peace for ever, In THEE, which neither Death nor Hell can sever. IT matters not, how I appear to Man, A Witness in my Soul there is, that can This record to the FATHER bear that I Seek not Man's praise, but Immortality: That so a Crown of Rest I may receive, Which Mortals have not in their Power to give. If I yet pleased Men, I should not be the Servant of Christ. THo' all the World my Actions discommend, I am at Peace, when Conscience is my friend. And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a Conscience void of offence, towards GOD and towards Man. THe Glories of our Birth and State Are Shadows, not Substantial things; There is no Armour against sat, Death lays his Icy-hand on Kings; Sceptre and Crown must tumble down, And in the Dust be equal made With the poor crooked Sith and Spade; All heads must come to the cold Tomb Only the actions of the Just Smell sweet and blossom in the Dust. Vivit post funera virtus, Virtue lives after Death. ALL outward Honour is a Painted fable, The humble Man is truly honourable; Of virtues all there's none more wished by me, Than that which graces all, Humility. The greater thou art, the more humble thyself. HOnour thy Parents to prolong thy end, With them, tho' for a Truth, do not contend; Tho' all should Truth defend, do thou lose rather The Truth a while, than lose their Loves for ever. Honour thy Father, and forget not the Sorrows of thy Mother, Eccl. 7.27. AS GOD'S dear See d, to learn give heed, That when thy Head is hoary; Wisdom may be a Crown to thee Transcending Earthly Glory. Thy Peace and Rest, from GOD'S own Breast, Then Death, nor Hell, shall sever: But thou shall see, thy Joys shall be Amen in HIM for ever. The Wise in Heart shall inherit Glory, but shame shall be the Promotion of Fools, Prov. 3.35. TRue virtue is a Coat of Mail, 'Gainst which no Weapons can prevail. Virtus vera nobilitas. Virtue is true Nobility. TRuth oppressed we often see, But quite suppressed it cannot be. He left not himself without a Witness, Acts 14.17. THink that is just, 'tis not enough to do, Unless thy very Thoughts are upright too; If well thou dost, and well intent, Thou shalt be Crowned in the End. Be thou faithful unto Death, that thou mayst receive a Crown of Life. THE surest Riches he shall gain, Who always Faithful doth remain. Tutum praesidium integritas. Honesty is the best Policy. A Blessing will with him abide, That hath true Virtue for his Guide. Blessings are upon the Head of the Just, Pro. 10.6. NO Temper more Man's life doth bless, Than simple prudent harmlesness. Hugo Grotius, a Man of Universal Learning and profound Policy, said, I would give all my Learning and Honour, for the plain Integrity and harmless Innocency of Jean Vtrick. ABove thy Knowledge do not rise, But with Sobriety be wise. Quae supra nos, nihil ad nos. Those things that are above us, are nothing to us. WHat matter is it, Man, for thee to know The reason, why the Sea doth Ebb and Flow; Or what course the variable Moon doth steer, Or how the Sun doth run throughout the year; It is thy Wisdom, and would better please, To fear thy MAKER, than to know all these. The fear of the LORD is the instruction of Wisdom, Prov. 15.33. HE that Commands himself is more a Prince, Than he who Nations keeps in Awe; And they that yield to what their Souls convince, Shall never need another Law. The word is nigh thee, in thy Mouth, and in thy Heart, to obey it and do it. Ro. 10.8. Deu. 30.14. HE's still himself, when company is gone, Too well employed ever to be alone; He takes no thought to be observed or seen, Whilst all his Acts are echoed from within. Ama te nesciri & pro nihilo reputari; Love to be unknown and nothing accounted. HE dares not wish, nor his own fate propound, But if GOD send, reads love in every wound; And would not lose, for all the joys of sense, The inward comfort of Obedience. Remember Abraham, the Father of all the Faithful. Who with their present State are not content, Oft worse find for their just punishment. The Murmuring Israelites are a dreadful Monitor. Contents the Crown of Earthly Happiness. OPinion is the rate of things, rom whence our peace doth flow; I have a better fate than Kings, Because I think it so. Animus omnia facit. The mind does all. WHen all the stormy World doth roar, How unconcerned am I: I cannot fear to tumble lower, Who never would be high. The lowliest mind is safest. HAppy that Soul that is content alone, And needs no entertainment, but it's own. Nunquam minus solus, quam cum solus; Never less alone, than when alone. AT length this secret I have learned, Who will be happy must be unconcerned; Must all their Comfort in their bosom wear, And seek their Treasure, and their Power there. We have this Treasure in Earthen Vessels, 2 Cor. 4.7. FLy Tales and Rumours, lest of News The Inventor thou be thought, For Silence seldom hurts a man, But Speech much harm hath wrought. Vir sapit, qui pauca loquitur: That man is wise that speaks little. AGainst thy Friend with force of Words, Strive not in any wise; Sometimes of Words (which are but Wind) Great Controversies rise. Beati pacifici; Blessed are the Peacemakers. WHat faults thou findest in other men Let not be found in thee, Great shame in him that Vice reproves, Himself not to be free. 'tis bad, when Vice corrects Sin. TO carp at others words, let not thy Wit be ill applied, Lest by thine own Example taught, another thee deride. He that keepeth his Tongue, keepeth his Soul from troubles, Prov. 21.23. IF with a Stranger thou discourse, first learn By strictest observation to discern, If he be wiser than thyself: if so, Be dumb, and rather choose by him to know; But if perchance thyself the wiser be, Then do thou speak, that he may learn by thee. Refrain not to speak, when there is an opportunity to do good, Eccl. 4.23. SAge Counsel from thy Servant's mouth Disdain not to respect, Nor any man's advice, that may Thy proper good effect. Fas est & ab hoste doceri. 'Tis fit to learn even of an Enemy. IN all thy actions have a care, That no unseemliness appear. Abstain from all appearance of Evil. A Thankful heart hath earned one favour twice: But he that is ungrateful wants no vice. Si ingratum dixeris, omnia dixeris. Say a Man's ungrateful, and you say all. LET not Anger cause thee to reveal, What Love and Friendship caused thee to conceal. A Tale-bearer revealeth secrets: but he that two of a faithful Spirit, concealeth a matter, Prov. 11.13. ONce reconciled rip not up the wrongs of former days, Old Sores to rub, and Wrath to move, a wicked Mind bewrays. He that ruleth his Tongue shall live without strife; and he that hateth babbling shall have less Evil, Eccl. 19.6. BY Slanders we arrive to high Renown, The greatest crosses win the greatest Crown. Many are the troubles of the Righteous, but the LORD delivers them out of all, Psal. 34.19. TAke well what e'er shall fall, tho' bade it be, Take it for good, and 'twill be so to thee. Quod sis, esse velis. Will to be, what thou art. THat's Friendship, and true Love indeed, Which firmly bides in time of need. Amicus certus in re incerta cernitur; A sure Friend is known in a doubtful matter. SUre is that knot which true Religion ties; And Love that's rightly grounded never dies. Witness Jonathan and David. HE that enjoys a Patiented mind, Can Comfort in Afflictions find. It gently sweetens every Bitter Cup, And calms tempestuous storms, when they are up. In Patience possess ye your Souls. Prudens qui patience; He is wise that is patiented. BE well advised and wary Council take, thou dost any resolution make. Deliberandum est diu, quod statuendum est semel. Consider long of that, which is but once to be done. TO gather Wealth through Fraud do not presume, A little evil got doth often much consume. Male parta male dilabuntur. Ill got, ill spent. SPare not, nor spend too much, be this thy Care, Spare thou to spend, and only spend to Spare: Who spends too much may want and so complain, But he spends best, that spares to spend again. Prodigality and Covetousness are both to be abhorred. SPare for no cost when time shall serve, And cause require the same; For what is better spent than spared, Adds to an honest name. Fac sumptum propere, etc. Be not sparing, when need requires. USe what thou hast in doing good, But see thou make no waist; Who vainly spend their own and want, Seek other men's at last. Better to prevent, than repent. THings needful than they cannot want, That cutb their vain desires: And measure their expense with what Necessity requires. Natura paucis contenta. Nature is Content with sew things. ONe special note of blessedness, Is riches to deny; Which whoso covets to engross, Lives always beggarly. Avarus semper eget. A Covetous Man is always in want. THe Worlds a snare, I find, unto an honest mind, And O how few there be, who from that snare are free! From which LORD save all thine which trust in THEE. No Tongue, nor Pen, unless the heart be pure, Availeth any thing, nor can procure Peace to the Soul, Ah! nothing ever can, Without a good Life, make a happy Man; Then, Soul of mine, since this must needs be true, See that thou labour all Sin to subdue. What signify good Words, unless they rise From Love? 'tis Love alone that makes us wise; Soul, love thy GOD, let it be seen in this, Thou never Think, nor Speak, nor Do Amiss. Say,— Soul of Mine; HAs not thy experience proved, What e'er thou hast overloved, Thou thereby hast injured been, Hast thou not thy error seen? Is there any thing below GOD himself, that thou canst bow, Or bend thy Mind to with delight, And be approved in his sight? Approved in his sight, who is? That so fond acts amiss? Then tell me, is't not time for thee By experience Wise to be? What Joy or Comfort canst thou find, In things uncertain as the Wind, No Joy, but in a prudent Mind? A prudent Mind can never be, Injurious I am sure to thee; Why then, my Soul, come bid adieu, To all that comes within thy view: Seeming Comforts but not true. Look upon them as they are, Do not let them prove a Snare: Soul, bid all empty Joys be gone, And joy thou in thy GOD alone. Thy GOD alone the Author is Of everlasting Joy and Bliss: Thy GOD alone can give thee this. TRoubles here attend us must, Until we return to Dust; They're intended for our good, Were they rightly understood. By experience this I find, They cannot hurt a prudent Mind; Then, Soul of mine, do not be Vexed, when Troubles come on thee, HE that sends them, HE can best Remove them and give ease, and rest. Rest thou contented with thy lot, Good is GOD'S will, is it not? Troubles here and exercise Are good for thee to make thee wise; Heavier they shall not be, Than thy GOD sees good for thee. Good I am sure for thee it is, To reckon, nothing comes amiss: Be content, and thou shall see, Nothing comes amiss to thee. Judge Hales on Changes and Troubles, Contemp. p. 380. PEace, way ward Soul, let not those various storms, Which hourly fill the World with fresh Alarms, Invade thy Peace, nor discompose that rest, Which thou mayst keep untouched within thy Breast. Amidst those Whirlwinds, if thou keep but free Thy intercourse betwixt thy GOD and thee; This Region lies above these storms, and know Thy thoughts are Earthly, and they creep too low; If these can reach thee, or access can find, To bring, or raise, like tempests in thy mind. But yet in these disorders something lies, That's worth thy notice, out of which the wise May trace, and find that just and powerful hand, That secretly, but surely, doth command. And manage these distempers with that skill, That while they seem to cross, they act, his Will. Observe that Silver thread, that steers and bends The worst of all disorders to such ends, That speak his Justice, Goodness, Providence, Who closely guides it by his Influence; And tho' these Storms be loud, yet listen well, There is another Message that they tell. This World is not thy Country, 'tis thy Way: Too much Contentment would invite thy stay Too long upon thy journey, make it strange, Unwelcome news, to think upon a change. Whereas this tugged entertainment send Thy thoughts before thee, to thy journey's end; Chides thy desires homeward, and tells thee plain, To think of resting here, it is but vain. Makes thee to set an equal estimate On this uncertain World, and a just rate On that to come, it bids thee wait and stay, Until thy MASTER call, and then with joy To entertain it: Such a Change as this Renders thy loss, thy gain; improves thy bliss. Judge Hales Contempl. p. 121. LET him that will ascend the tottering Seat Of Courtly Grandeur, and become as great As are his mounting wishes; as for me, Let sweet Repose and Rest my Portion be; Give me some mean obscure Recess, a Sphere Out of the Road of Business, or the fear Of falling lower; where I sweetly may Myself and dear Retirement still enjoy. Let not my Life or Name be known unto The Grandees of the Times, tossed to and fro By Censures or Applause, but let my Age Slide gently by, not overthwart, the Stage Of Public Action, unheard, unseen, And unconcerned, as if I ne'er had been. And thus whilst I shall pass my silent days In shady privacy, free from the noise And bustles of the World; then shall I A good Old Innocent Plebeian die. Death is a mere Surprise, a very Snare To him that makes it his life's greatest care To be a Public Pageant, known to all, But unacquainted with himself, doth fall. There's no such thing as Pleasure here, 'Tis all a perfect Cheat, Which doth but shine and disappear; Whose Charm is but Deceit: Th' Experienced Prince than reason had, Who said of Pleasure, it is mad. I said of Laughter, it is mad, and of Mirth, what doth it. Eccl. 2.2. On Man's Mortality. LIKE as the Damask Risen you see, Or like the Blossom on the Tree, Or like the dainty Flower in May, Or like the Morning to the Day, Or like the Sun, or like the Shade, Or like the Gourd which Ionas had. Even such is Man whose Thread is Spun, Drawn out and cut, and so is done. The Rose withers, the Blossom blasteth, The Flower fades, the Morning hasteth, The Sun sets, the Shadow flies, The Gourd consumes, and Man he dies. Like to the Grass that's newly sprung, Or like a Tale that's new begun, Or like the Bird that's here to day, Or like the Pearly dew of May, Or like an Hour, or like a Span, Or like the Singing of a Swan. Even such is Man who lives by Breath, Is here, now there, in Life and Death: The Grass withers, the Tale is ended, The Bird is flown, the Dew's ascended, The Hour is short, the Span not long, The Swan's near Death, Man's life is done. Like to the Bubble in the Brook, Or in a Glass much like a look, Or like the Shuttle in Weavers hand, Or like the Writing on the Sand, Or like a Thought, or like a Dream, Or like the gliding of the Stream: Even such is Man who lives by Breath, Is here, now there, in Life and Death. The Bubble's out, the Looks forgot, The Shuttle's fling, the Writing's blot, The Thought is past, the Dream is gone, The Water glides, Man's Life is done. Like to an Arrow from the Bow, Or like swift course of Watery flow, Or like the time 'twixt Flood and Ebb, Or like the Spider's tender Webb, Or like a Race, or like a Goal, Or like the dealing of a Dole: Even such is Man, whose brittle State Is always subject unto Fate. The Arrow's shot, the Flood soon spent, The Time no Time, the Webb's soon rend, The Race soon run, the Goal soon won, The Dole soon dealt, Man's life is done. Like to the Lightning from the Sky, Or like the Post that quick doth high, Or like a Quaver in short Song, Or like a Journey three days long, Or like the Pear, or like the Plum, Or like the Snow when Summer's come: Even such is Man who heaps up sorrow, Lives but this day, and dies to morrow. The Lightning's past, the Post must go, The Song is short, the Journy's so, The Pear doth rot, the Plumb doth fall, The Snow dissolves, and so must all. It is appointed for all men once to die; and after that the Judgement. Memor esto brevis aevi: Be thou mindful of thy short Life. FArewel, poor World, I must be gone, Thou art no home, no rest for me: I'll take my Staff, and travel on, Till I a better World may see. Now we desire a better Country, that is an Heavenly, for we look for another City which hath Foundations, whose Builder and Maker is GOD. HElp me my GOD, O let me find That noble Fortitude of mind, Not to be shaked with every puff of Wind! With every puff of Wind let me Be driven nearer unto THEE; Else, Holy GOD, How can I happy be? How can I happy be indeed, Till joined to that Holy Seed, That makes man happy when he has most need? Need, LORD, thou knows I have of THEE To kill the Root of Sin in me, LORD, let the Root of Sin consumed be: Consumed be, destroyed quite, That Spotless I may in THY sight Appear, and THOU in me may'st take delight. SOME USEFUL SAY IN PROSE. 1. THE Fear of the LORD is the first step to be accepted of HIM, and true Wisdom obtaineth HIS Love. 2. Blessed is that Soul that heareth the LORD speaking in her, and receiveth from HIS Mouth the Word of Comfort. 3. Blessed are those Ears that harken only to the Divine Voice, and listen not to the Allurements of the World. 4. He that hath little Understanding, and feareth GOD, is better than he that is exceeding Wise, and transgresseth the Law of the most HIGH. 5. He that intends to attain to the more inward & Spiritual things of Religion, must, with JESUS, depart from the multitude and press of People. 6. 'Twas Sir Henry Wotton's Motto, after all his Travels and Embassies, I have at length learned, That the greatest Wisdom is got by a quiet retirement. Let it be our care to live here, as we ought; contented with the Condition Providence allots us; whatever we may meet with in the way, we shall be Happy in the end: Which the Wise considers. 7. Learn to overcome thyself in all things, for the Love of thy CREATOR. 8. If thou spend the Day profitably, thou wilt have cause to rejoice in the Evening. 9 Simple Obedience is to be preferred before all Worldly Wisdom. 10. The Glory of a good Man is the Testimony of a good Conscience; have That and thou wilt have inward Peace in the midst of many troubles. 11. To do always well and to have low thoughts of thyself, is a sign of an Humble Soul. 12 They that follow Sensuality, slain their own Consciences and lose the favour of GOD. 13. Withdraw thyself violently from that, to which nature is viciously inclined. 14. They that avoid not small faults, by little and little fall into greater. 15. They that live at liberty and ease, shall ever live in disquiet. 16. True quietness of Heart is got by resisting our Passions, not by obeying them. 17. Remember always thy end, and how that lost time never returns. 18. If we engage into a large Acquaintance, and various Familiarities, we set open our Gates to the Invaders of most of our time. 19 Time fruitlessly passed away, will in the end cause an aching Heart. 20. Defile not thy Mouth with Swearing; neither use thyself to the Naming of the Holy ONE. 21. Let the Name of GOD be sparing in your Mouth, but abundantly in your Heart. 22. The Jews of Old accounted the Name JEHOVAH so Sacred, that they durst not utter it; the High Priest alone, and that in the Temple only, but once in the Year at their Solemn Feast, while he blessed the People, might have leave to mention it, for others it was Death, Buxt. Lex. 23. It is a mark of folly and ill nature to hate reproof. 24. Sin and Sorrow are unseparable Companions, thou canst not let in the one, and shut out the other; he that swims in Sin, must sink in Sorrow. 25. Corrupt Examples may sway with weak minds, but the wise in heart will regard and consider their own Duty. 26. Oppose no Man wilfully, neither follow any in evil Courses. 27. The clean Soul of a Christian is the House of GOD, and also the House of Prayer, whose Body is his Temple. 28. There are some that Pray often, yet are not heard to speak much. There are many that make long Prayers, yet Pray not at all— acceptably. 29. Prayer is a more Spiritual and Secret thing in the Sanctified, than is understood by most. 30. Religion (however pulled several ways) is of itself a quiet and strifeless thing; Holy indeed, but Harmless, and Divine: yet still shining forth in much Plainness and Simplicity. Be you of that Religion which gives Glory to GOD on High, on Earth Peace, and towards Men. 31. True Religion is not to fill Heads with Notions and Opinions, but to Sow in the mind the Seed of Virtue, to direct how to Govern Passions, and to destroy self-will. 32. Virtue and Goodness ought to be owned in all Parties and Opinions, and if these were practised it would reconcile all Men to each other. 33. Obstinacy is an Advantage to our Enemies, a Trouble to our Friends, and the assured overthrow of ourselves. 34. So gracious is Providence, that every Man has a Light set up within himself for a Guide. 35. Cordially espouse all Virtue, constantly decline and hate all Vice. 36. To be humble to Superiors, is Duty; to Equals Civility; to Inferiors Courtesy; to all Safety. 37. It is to be Observed, that the Poor Man sings at his Blow, while the Rich Man frets in his Palace: This shows, that 'tis the mind not the fortune that makes us happy. 38. Art thou desirous of a Kingdom, says the Philosopher, I will presently show thee one: Rule wisely over thyself. 39 The Glory of the Aged is their Experitence and their Wisdom, the Glory of a young Man is his Modesty and Submission. 40. He that is a Companion of Riotous Men, shameth his Father and dishonoureth his Moher. 41. 'Tis not for young Men to drink Wine, nor for lovers of Virtue to be Drinkers of strong Drink. 42. Be not a Companion with Wine bibbers, nor with Riotous eaters of Flesh, Prov. 23.20. 43. He that will be lavish in his Superfluities, will afterwards find himself unavoidably straitened in his necessities. 44. Conscience once embased, the Heart once polluted by vicious Courses, is not easily recovered to the true Fear of the LORD. 45. Youth should be a Pattern for Virtue, not a Privilege for Vice: Therefore let thy Virtues be Grave, whilst thy Years are Green. 46. Be meek and courteous to all, yet choose only the Virtuous and Harmless for your Companions. The Dove flocks not with Ravens. 47. Let thy Speech be sober and seldom: To know how to be silent, is a great advantage to speak well; and he that knows not how to do the one, knows not the other. 48. Who heareth much and speaketh little, may best discern Falsehood from Truth. 49. We ought always to keep a Bridle at our Mouths, even in Religious and Holy Occasions; because it is hard to fall into arguing, without offence to GOD and our Neighbour. 50. Let thy Speech be short, comprehending much in few Words. For long Discourses, Amplifications, and Repetitions, are a sign of Ostentation in the Speaker, tedious and irksome, and of no real good, to the Hearer. Even in a good cause, or on a good subject, a man may say too much. 51. The beginning of strife, is as when one letteth out Water; therefore leave off Contention before it be meddled with, Prov. 17.4. 52. Silence is a Guard of the Conscience, a Bridle from Insolence, and a sign of Innocence, and preserves from many Evils. 53. They that turn an others words to a worse end than was intended, shows an evil mind; and are far from doing therein as they would be done unto. 54. There is more desireableness in Meekness and Innocency, than in all the Mountains of Prey or Self exaltation. 55. A virtuous Man is more Patient in Adversity, than a Vicious in Prosperity. 56. I will learn contentment by considering others wants and my own enjoyments, and not learn discontent from others enjoyments and my own wants. 57 A Rich Worldling is rather to be pitied for what he wants, than envied for what he has. 58. Unsatiable desires in Temporals, make a man poor in Spirituals. 59 How little soever the thing be, if it be inordinately loved, it defileth the Soul, and hindereth the enjoyment of the chiefest Good. 60. There is nothing in the World conduceth more to the Composure and Tranquillity of the Mind, than the serenity and clearness of the Conscience; keep but That safe and untainted, the Mind will enjoy a Calm and Tranquillity in the midst of all the Storms of the World. And although the Waves beat, and the Sea works, and the Winds blow; the Mind that hath a quiet and clear Conscience within, will be as stable and as safe from Perturbation as a Rock in the midst of a tempestuous Sea, and will be a Goshen too, and within itself, when the rest of the World without is like an Egypt for Confusion and Darkness, Judge Hales Contempl. 373. 61. Whatever thou dost hazard or lose, keep the Integrity of thy Conscience, both before troubles come and under them; it is a Jewel will make thee Rich in the midst of Poverty, a Sun that will give thee Light in the midst of Darkness, a Fortress that will keep thee safe in the greatest Danger, and that is never to be taken from thee, unless thou thyself betray it and deliver it up. p. 374. 62. Many words do not satisfy the Soul, but a good Life comforteth the Mind, and a pure Conscience giveth great assurance in the sight of GOD. 63. He that keeps the Law of GOD and abstains from the impurity of the World, that is, the good Man, the just Liver; he is the Apostles true Jew and Circumsition. 64. The Curse of the LORD is in the House of the Wicked, but HE blesseth the Habitation of the Just. 65. Whoso feareth the LORD, it shall go well with him at the last; and he shall find favour in the day of his Death. 66. If I choose the LORD for my Portion, than Mercy and Goodness shall follow me whilst I live, and Glory and everlasting happiness shall be my Portion when I die. 67. Let reason go before every Enterprise: And Counsel before every Action. 68 Tho a good Life hath but few days, yet a good Name endures for ever. 69. What are the delights of the World to the Peace of my Conscience? Rather let me be Poor with a good Heart, than rich with an evil Mind. 70. How can Pleasures content me, whilst the Sting of them Poison me? 71. Never think those true hearted Friends to thee, that are false to their own Consciences. 72. A froward Man soweth strife: and a Whisperer separateth very Friends. 73. They who suffer their own Wills and Lusts to Rule, not only oppress others thereby, but stifle and crucify the Just and Faithful witness in themselves. 74. There are no such Enemies without, as unruly Lusts and Passions within, therefore labour to overcome them all. 75. Humility and Abstinence keeps the Body and Mind, in much evenness and tranquillity; but Pride and Fullness are Pernicious to both. 76. Afflictions are sent for the good, even of good Men; and it is their fault if they have not that effect. 77. Let thy Afflictions make thee humble, and thy deliverance therefrom the more increase thy humility. 78. Fellow Peace and Holiness with all Men, not only with your Friends, but with your very Enemies; that you may be the Children of the HIGHEST, and of a good example to all Mankind. 79. Happy is he that shall be exercised in these things, and he that layeth them up in his Heart shall become Wise. Something touching Excess, by Judge Hales. THe great folly of Mankind, is the unruliness and want of Government of the Sensual Appetite or Lusts: Hence grows Intemperance and Excess in Eating and Drinking, unlawful and exorbitant Lusts: and these exorbitances break out into very foolish, vain, and imprudent actions, exhaust the Estate, waist and consume the Health; embase and impoverish the mind; destroys the Reputation, and fills the World with much of that folly and disorder that is every where observable. It was always my care to use the Creatures with Temperance and Moderation;— Not to Luxury and Excess, to make provision for my Lusts, with Vainglory or Ostentation, but for the convenient support of my Nature and Condition;— I looked not upon the Wine when it gave its colour in the Cup, nor gave myself over, either to Excess or Curiosity in Meats or Drinks; I checked myself therein,— And still remembered I had the Creatures under an account, and was ever careful to avoid excess or intemperance, because every excessive Cup or Meal was in danger to leave me in arrear to my LORD. A POSTSCRIPT, by J. P. THOU shalt well consider in thine Heart, and remember all the Way that I have hitherto led thee, to try thee, and to prove thee, that thou mayst in the following part of thy Life, know and acknowledge the GOD of all thy Mercies. Oct. 13. 1687. O LORD! Cleanse THOU me, and I shall be clean; Purge and Purify THOU me, that I may be as white as Snow, without spot or wrinkle, or any such thing: This, this, is that my Soul hath long longed for; and now beg of THEE that it may be fully accomplished to THY Honour and Glory, henceforth even for ever and ever. Oh! hear, defer not I beseech THEE, to forgive whatever has been amiss in me; even for THY Great Names sake; for THY Suffering Seeds sake; and THY Endless, Infinite, and Incomprehensible Mercies Sake, which hath ever been extended towards all who have put their whole trust and confidence in THEE, as I do at this Day: Glory, Glory, for ever be to THEE, OTHOV most HIGH! who wert, who art, and who art to come! GOD Blessed for ever, and for evermore! Amen. and Amen. Octob. 19 1687. This following was Writ the same day of the foregoing month, and several Copies sent to my Friends and Acquaintance in and about London; and is here Printed for the Sake and Service of all concerned therein. Dear People, YOu, who are from your Habitations, I am at this Moment, in suffering for you; and am made, in that Love that is not of this World, to entreat and beseech you who have in any measure tasted of the Good Word of GOD; to return every Individual of you to your own Homes, Tents, and Tabernacles: and there to wait in the stillness and silence of all flesh, for the Resurrection of that Life, and Power, which at present seems to lie Dead; and as it were even Buried in most. Oh! reject not, withstand not, but be freely given up to the Counsel and Advice herein given you, then will you reap the Benefit, and I the Reward of this my Love and Faithfulness towards you all. J. P. Choose you whom ye will serve: But as for me and mine, we are bound and engaged to serve the LORD, the great GOD only.